The Vagrant
Poetry by Lance LandallA Spiritual And Inspirational Poem from All-Creatures.org

Spiritual and Inspirational poetry that touch the heart and soul, and provoke the mind.

The Vagrant
Poetry by Lance Landall

I slowed as he approached me, aware of his outstretched hand, Watching,
as his haunted eyes, nervously my face scanned. Words were unnecessary, for
so plainly I could see, A poor dispirited being, silently pleading with me.

Deeply saddened and disturbed by this visible tragedy, I reached into my
pocket, in response to his silent plea. His torn and dirty clothing held my
deeply concerned gaze, And I wondered to myself, “Just how many nights and
days”?

It was not for me to ask, it was not for me to know, Where any money
given, might wrongly, or rightly go. And what right had I to judge this poor
man who roamed the town, Who might well seek alcohol, hoping misery to
drown.

How could I not take the time, to help some dear mother’s son, That most,
out of ignorance, contemptuously would shun. This poor wretch who slept on
streets, might well have been you or I, Hence why now his silent plea, I
wasn’t about to deny.

How could I deny this man some momentary relief, This vagrant, who seemed
shipwrecked, on an emotional reef. Another human casualty, whose hopes and
dreams lay scattered, Tenaciously clinging to rocks, and indifferently
battered.

Smiling, I took hold of his arm, and placed money in his palm, Gladly,
unhesitatingly, and without one single qualm. Not used to such response, a
tear wet the ground below, For seldom did humanity, this vagrant, such
kindness show.

As he turned to walk away, I just couldn’t help but say, “I come this way
each week, friend, round 9 a.m. each Tuesday.” I knew that he had heard me,
but he dared not turn around, Lest it be, his new-found friend, notice more
tears wet the ground.

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